Contents
Description
Saxifraga Mucronulata, also known as the Alaska Saxifrage, is a small herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. It is native to Alaska, Western Canada, and the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The plant usually grows up to 10 cm in height and spreads out to form small clumps. The leaves of Saxifraga Mucronulata are small, round, and succulent, with a bluish-green color. The flowers are small, white, and star-shaped, and bloom in early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Saxifragaceae |
| Genus | Saxifraga |
Appearance
Saxifraga Mucronulata is a small, succulent plant with a bluish-green color. The leaves are round and grow in a basal rosette, measuring up to 2 cm in diameter. The stems are short and bear small, star-shaped, white flowers that bloom in early summer. The plant usually grows up to 10 cm in height and spreads out to form small clumps.
Care Guide
Saxifraga Mucronulata is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: The plant prefers moist soil but can tolerate periods of drought. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter months.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilizer but can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss and perlite works well.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Saxifraga Mucronulata is generally free from pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause stunted growth. Use insecticidal soap to control infestations.
- Slugs: These pests can feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant. Use slug bait or set up beer traps to control them.
- Crown rot: This fungal disease can occur if the plant is overwatered or the soil is poorly drained. Remove affected plants and improve drainage to prevent the spread of the disease.
Habitat
Saxifraga Mucronulata is native to Alaska, Western Canada, and the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It grows in rocky areas, talus slopes, and alpine meadows. The plant is well-suited for rock gardens and alpine plantings.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Saxifraga Mucronulata tolerate full sun?
A: Yes, the plant can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
Q: How often should I water Saxifraga Mucronulata?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter months.
Q: Is Saxifraga Mucronulata a hardy plant?
A: Yes, the plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Q: What is the best soil mix for Saxifraga Mucronulata?
A: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss and perlite works well.
Related Plants
- Saxifraga oppositifolia
- Saxifraga paniculata
- Saxifraga rivularis
- Saxifraga stellaris
References
- “Saxifraga Mucronulata.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 1 May 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:240887-2.
- “Saxifraga Mucronulata.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 1 May 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/10878/saxifraga-mucronulata/details.
- “Saxifraga Mucronulata.” Washington Native Plant Society. Accessed 1 May 2021. https://www.wnps.org/native-plant-directory/122-saxifraga-mucronulata.
